Brain cooling apparatus and method for cooling the brain
US6277143A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2007/101
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and corresponding method are provided for treating or preventing at least one of brain, brain-stem and associated nervous tissue injuries in a mammal suffering from decreased or compromised blood flow to the brain. The apparatus includes a helmet configured to rest unsupported on the head of a mammal. The helmet includes outer and inner shells with at least one cavity intermediate the outer and inner shells for holding a coolant fluid within the at least one cavity, and a coolant source in communication with the helmet, the coolant source instantaneously providing a coolant fluid chilled to a temperature sufficient to slow the metabolism of the brain. When the coolant source is activated, the helmet becomes instantly chilled rapidly cooling the brain to a temperature sufficient to slow the metabolism of the brain a sufficient amount so that the mammal remains neurologically intact while efforts are made to restore regular blood flow to the brain of the mammal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.